Hearing aid

Abstract

Hearing system, comprising at least one hearing aid (1) to be worn behind the ear or in front of the ear, at least one decorative element (2) which is designed for detachable connection to the hearing system, and at least one fastening means (3) for fastening the hearing system to an ear (O) of a person, wherein the hearing aid (1) comprises at least one input transducer for receiving sound and / or electromagnetic signals, a signal processing unit for processing the received sound or the received signals, a sound transducer and a signal conductor for transmitting acoustic or audio signals into the auditory canal, characterized in that the hearing aid (1) has a first magnetic element (4.1), and in that the at least one fastening means (3) has a second magnetic element (4.2) which can be brought into operative connection with the first magnetic element (4.1).

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to a hearing system comprising at least one hearing aid to be worn in front of the ear or behind the ear, at least one decorative element designed for detachable connection to the hearing system, and at least one fastening means for attaching the hearing system to one ear of a person. The invention also particularly relates to a hearing system comprising two hearing aids to be worn behind the ears of a person, as well as at least two of the aforementioned decorative elements and at least two of the aforementioned fastening means for attaching the hearing system to both ears of a person.

[0002] The currently most commonly used designs for behind-the-ear hearing aids are so-called behind-the-ear devices (BTE hearing aids) and receiver-in-the-canal devices (RIC hearing aids or receiver-in-the-canal devices). These are distinguished from in-the-ear devices (ITE hearing aids or in-the-ear devices). For both wearing styles, the question of the hearing aid's cosmetic effect often arises for the user, with a common tendency to design and position the hearing aids as small and inconspicuous as possible. While earlier hearing aids served solely to improve hearing, modern hearing aids can be coupled with external audio playback devices, such as mobile phones or other devices, so that the use of the hearing aid does not interfere with the use of headphones or telephones.

[0003] With behind-the-ear hearing aids, a housing containing the main unit is positioned outside the ear canal and behind the ear, while a custom-made earmold is placed inside the ear canal and connected to the main unit via a signal conductor. The main unit houses the microphone, electronics, and batteries. The sound transducer can be integrated into the main unit, transmitting acoustic signals into the ear canal via the sound conductor. Alternatively, it can be placed inside the ear canal, with audio signals being transmitted from the signal processing unit of the electronics to the sound transducer via the signal conductor.

[0004] RIC hearing aids have a similar design to BTE hearing aids, with the transducer located outside the housing and thus externally in the ear canal, where it is held in place by the earmold. The earmold can be an earmold or a dome. The transducer is connected to the main device behind the ear via a signal conductor, in this case an electrical signal conductor. By relocating the transducer into the ear canal, it is possible to make the housing located behind the ear significantly smaller.

[0005] BTE and RIC devices can be attached to the ear either by a clamping action above the auricle, which is both visually noticeable and can be disadvantageous for glasses wearers, as the temples and the hearing aid casing can interfere. Alternatively, hearing systems are also known in which the main device is integrated into an earpiece and is thus worn visibly on the ear. Even though the main device is not worn behind the ear in this version, the basic design of this hearing aid, with the main device and signal conductor in the ear canal, corresponds to that of BTE devices, so this version is classified as a BTE device.

[0006] ITE hearing aids or their increasingly smaller variant, ICC (Invisible in Canal) hearing aids, are designed integrally so that they can be worn completely in the ear canal, with the housing being individually adapted to the anatomy of the ear canal. With these devices, all components of the hearing aid, including the microphone that receives the sound, are located in the ear canal so that the pinna actively participates in hearing and the individual spatial hearing impression can be used. The disadvantage of ITE hearing aids is that although the hearing aid, especially the IIC hearing aid, is cosmetically less noticeable due to its positioning in the ear, it can lead to undesirable occlusion effects, i.e. the closure of the ear canal and distorted acoustics. A lack of ventilation options has a negative impact on both the technology and the ear canal.

[0007] Both alternative ways of attaching hearing aids to the ear and decorative elements for making the hearing aids more attractive are known in the state of the art.

[0008] EP 1 924 123 A2 discloses a hearing aid with at least one external signal unit, wherein at least one implantable fastening element is provided for the signal unit equipped with a counter-fastening element. Preferably, the fastening element and the counter-fastening element are two magnets or a magnet and a magnetizable element. The fastening element is preferably implanted in the bone region located behind the outer ear, the mastoid. However, this form of fastening is not very attractive for many users, since it requires a surgical intervention in the body to implant the fastening element.

[0009] DE 10 2010 018 264 A1 proposes a hearing aid for wearing behind the ear, comprising a hearing aid housing in which signal processing components are housed, and a so-called ear hook, which is detachably attached to the hearing aid housing and for holding the hearing aid behind the ear. Furthermore, a first of the two components, the hearing aid housing and the ear hook, has an undercut. The second of the two components has a closure element. When the ear hook is attached to the hearing aid housing, a movable and magnetic or magnetizable closure element engages in / behind the undercut, so that the ear hook cannot be detached from the hearing aid housing. The ear hook can only be removed with a magnet or a magnetizable element.The disadvantage is that the hearing aid is still held in place by the ear hook, which is not only visually noticeable but can also lead to restrictions for people who wear glasses.

[0010] Finally, WO 2012 / 160098 A1 discloses a hearing aid unit comprising an earpiece and a hearing aid with recording and playback functions. The earpiece comprises a cavity for receiving a hearing aid, into which one or more outwardly extending sound openings open, and the hearing aid comprises at least one microphone for recording acoustic signals, a signal processing unit, a sound transducer, and a signal conductor for transmitting acoustic or audio signals into the ear canal. The hearing aid is loosely inserted and removable in the cavity of the earpiece, and at least one microphone is arranged in the hearing aid such that, when the hearing aid is inserted, it is associated with a sound inlet opening. The earpiece is attached to the ear using a plug, which is generally known for ear studs for attachment to the earlobe and which can prove disadvantageous for the reasons mentioned above.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a hearing system which combines the advantages of an individual and interchangeable jewellery design with a simple and quick attachment of the hearing system to the ears of a person.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] The term "hearing aid" refers to hearing aids designed to compensate for functional deficits in one or both ears. It also includes audio devices that receive wirelessly transmitted audio signals as in-the-ear devices or behind-the-ear devices (including RIC hearing aids) as defined above, adapt them as required, and output them via a sound transducer located in the ear canal. These could be, for example, wireless headphones for a mobile phone or a similar audio device that transmits audio signals wirelessly.

[0014] In the following, the actual main device will be referred to as the hearing aid, regardless of whether the transducer is located internally or externally. If an external receiver is included, this is explicitly referred to as an external component of the hearing aid, i.e., one not directly integrated into the hearing aid, but is nevertheless a component of the hearing aid.

[0015] A hearing system for use in one or two ears is referred to below as the entire arrangement comprising one or two hearing aids, including behind-the-ear and rear-in-the-ear hearing aids, one or two decorative elements, and one or two fastening devices. Depending on the different design of the components of the hearing system, one hearing aid can also have more than one fastening device, or two hearing aids can have more than two fastening devices. If the hearing system is designed for use in both ears, the features and properties of an arrangement for one ear described below also apply analogously to the second arrangement for the second ear belonging to the hearing system.

[0016] To achieve the object, a hearing system is proposed, comprising at least one hearing aid to be worn in front of the ear or behind the ear, ie a BTE hearing aid and a RIC hearing aid, at least one decorative element which is designed for detachable connection to the hearing system, and at least one fastening means for fastening the hearing system to an ear of a person, wherein the auditory canal preferably remains unlocked.

[0017] The hearing aid comprises at least one input transducer for receiving sound and / or electromagnetic signals, a signal processing unit for processing the received sound or signals, a sound transducer and a signal conductor for transmitting acoustic or audio signals into the ear canal.

[0018] An audio signal, also called a sound signal, is an electrical signal that transports acoustic information.

[0019] The input transducer of the hearing aid acts as a sound receiver for picking up acoustic signals and can have one or more microphones and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for example an induction coil.

[0020] The signal processing unit of the hearing aid is used for time- and / or frequency- and / or amplitude-dependent evaluation, the amplification of the received sound or signals and the control of the generation of the acoustic signal by a sound transducer, which the wearer of the hearing aid receives.

[0021] An unoccluded ear canal, as defined by the invention, means that there are no occlusion effects and that sufficient ventilation of the ear canal is ensured. Those skilled in the art will know how to design the hearing aid and any earmold to keep the ear canal essentially unoccluded. Advantageously, an earmold or a closed or double dome is not used.

[0022] The hearing system is attached to a person's ear by the attachment means directly, i.e. by a direct interaction of an attachment means with a magnetic element arranged on a hearing aid, or indirectly, i.e. by the interaction of an attachment means with a component on or in which a hearing aid is arranged.

[0023] According to the invention, the hearing aid has a first magnetic element and the at least one fastening means has a second magnetic element which can be brought into operative connection with the first magnetic element.

[0024] "Magnetic" within the meaning of the invention refers, on the one hand, to elements that have the properties of a magnet, namely the ability to attract objects. Naturally, a magnet as such is also considered magnetic. On the other hand, "magnetic" within the meaning of the invention also refers to elements that have the property of being attracted to a magnet, either because the magnetization in their material is already aligned or because their material is magnetizable, i.e., has a magnetization that can be aligned, for example, by a magnet.

[0025] In particular, the first magnetic element and the associated hearing aid are designed for placement outside the external auditory canal, which extends from the eardrum to the pinna, whereby the pinna is no longer considered part of the external auditory canal. In some embodiments, the external receiver, optionally also the input transducer, can be located within the external auditory canal.

[0026] It can be provided that the hearing aid together with the first magnetic element has a shape and size that supports the reliable connection with the magnetic element and is adapted to the shape and size of the decorative element, making it unsuitable for placement in the external auditory canal.

[0027] Advantageously, the ear canal is not blocked, as neither the hearing aid itself nor an earmold that completely closes the ear canal are placed in the ear canal. Hearing aid technology uses various signal transmission methods into the ear and various earmold designs for this purpose to achieve the desired open ear canal. For example, an earmold that may be used has at least a sufficiently large through-hole, which reduces the risk of blockages.

[0028] The first magnetic element of the hearing system can, for example, be arranged on a housing of the respective hearing aid, which has at least the signal processing unit and optionally the input transducer and / or the sound transducer, provided that the latter is not outsourced as an external receiver.

[0029] The wording that the at least one fastening means has a second magnetic element can refer to both an arrangement of the second magnetic element on or in the fastening means and the variant in which the fastening means itself is designed as a magnetic element. In both variants, the fastening means is designed such that the hearing aid is not visible at first glance, being at least partially concealed by the ear and / or by a decorative element.

[0030] For example, the fastening means, optionally in each case, can be a plate-shaped element whose shape and form are adapted to better fit the shape of the part of the ear where the hearing aid is to be arranged. If, for example, the hearing aid is to be placed on the outer ear, the fastening means can be slightly curved to match its shape. The fastening means can have a magnetic element or be designed as a magnetic element itself, for example by being made of a magnetizable material. Analogously, the fastening means can be adapted to the shape of the earlobe through a suitable geometry and size.

[0031] In one embodiment, a hearing aid comprising the first magnetic element is positioned in the auricle, and a fastening means is positioned behind the auricle, wherein the first magnetic element interacts with the second magnetic element arranged on the fastening means through the tissue of the auricle. It is necessary, and can be achieved through testing and / or replaceable magnetic elements, that the respective magnetic elements are each designed to be sufficiently strong to ensure a secure hold of the hearing aid on the ear while simultaneously preventing damage and / or unpleasant pressure on the tissue.

[0032] The magnetic elements can be designed to be interchangeable and can be replaced with magnetic elements of different shapes and / or different magnetic field strengths. This advantageously allows for optimization of the hearing system with regard to secure fixation to the ear and minimal to no influence on the hearing aid's function due to the individual magnetic fields.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a hearing aid having the first magnetic element is positioned behind the auricle and the fastening means is positioned in the auricle, wherein in this embodiment too the first magnetic element interacts with the second magnetic element arranged on the fastening means through the tissue of the auricle.

[0034] It is also possible that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element interact through the tissue of the earlobe (lobulus auriculae), where the earlobe is understood as part of the auricle.

[0035] The decorative element, which is designed for detachable connection to the hearing system, can vary both in type and in terms of its attachment point on the ear or hearing system. Different sizes and designs of the decorative element are possible. Depending on the weight, the element can also have magnetic elements of varying strength for attachment to the hearing system.

[0036] Apparently, it is also possible to attach several decorative elements, which can also differ in their type of attachment and / or their attachment location.

[0037] Advantageously, no additional fastening devices are required, and the hearing system according to the invention can be attached to the ear in a compact and cosmetically appealing manner. No bodily interventions are required, such as those required for inserting an implant or piercing an ear, and the hearing system according to the invention can be attached to the ear in such a way that it does not interfere with any eyeglass temples that might also be placed on the ear.

[0038] It can be provided that the respective sound transducer is arranged within the ear canal and connected to the signal processing unit via the signal conductor. In this embodiment, reference is made to an external earpiece in which the sound in the ear canal is generated by an elastic membrane. Preferably, at least the signal processing unit is located in a housing which has the first magnetic element. The elastic membrane placed in the ear canal ensures that the ear canal remains open and that the undesirable blockages described above do not occur. Alternatively, the input transducer can also be arranged in the housing or together with the sound transducer in the ear canal. In the latter case, the input transducer is also designed in such a way that blockage of the ear canal is avoided.

[0039] The use of fastening means with magnetic elements allows for a variety of different variants for attaching the hearing system to the ear. For example, a decorative element can be provided on a fastening means. Advantageously, in this embodiment, a hearing aid is positioned behind an auricle, while a fastening means is positioned in or in front of the auricle, with the first magnetic element interacting with the second magnetic element arranged on the fastening means through the tissue of the auricle.

[0040] By incorporating at least one decorative element into the fastening device, the fastening device, which is clearly visible in or in front of the auricle, acts as a decorative element. Different fastening devices, each with different decorative elements, can be provided, which the wearer can easily replace as needed, allowing the wearer to individually customize the visual appearance of the hearing system.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the hearing system, the decorative element has at least a third magnetic element which can be brought into operative connection with the first magnetic element and / or with the second magnetic element and / or with a further magnetic element arranged on the hearing system.

[0042] This also makes it possible to replace the decorative elements quickly and easily. A decorative element can also be attached to a hearing aid located in the ear, covering the respective hearing aid and making it more visually appealing, so that the actual function of the hearing aid is not visible. The third magnetic element located on the decorative element can interact with the first magnetic element located on the hearing aid or with another magnetic element located on the hearing aid.

[0043] It is also possible for a magnetic element to be detachably attached to the hearing system, to which a decorative element can be detachably attached. This allows both the decorative element and the magnetic element connecting the decorative element to the hearing system to be exchanged. Advantageously, this allows magnetic elements with different magnetic field strengths to be used as needed, for example, when decorative elements with different weights are to be attached to the hearing system.

[0044] It can further be provided that a hearing system which has two hearing aids has a device for wireless communication between the two hearing aids. This can be a Bluetooth connection or another suitable connection, for example. If one of the two hearing aids becomes detached from the respective fastening means, is malfunctioning or is lost and thus moves away from the second hearing aid, a signal can be generated which indicates to the wearer of the hearing system that a hearing aid is not available. This can, for example, be an acoustic or an audio signal which is emitted either by the hearing aid remaining with the wearer and / or by the lost hearing aid. In addition, it can be provided that an optical signal is emitted by the lost hearing aid, for example a flashing signal generated by a signal lamp.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the hearing system has at least one shielding element for shielding elements of the hearing aid against the magnetic fields emanating from the magnetic elements. In particular, the hearing aid has a shielding element that preferably serves to shield the input transducer and / or the signal processing unit and / or the sound transducer of the hearing aid against the magnetic or electromagnetic fields.

[0046] The respective shielding element is advantageously arranged between the first magnetic element of a hearing aid and the elements of the hearing aid to be shielded.

[0047] It can be provided that the signal processing unit has a deactivatable amplifier for amplifying the received sound or the received signals.

[0048] The hearing aid can further be provided with a receiver for wirelessly transmitting audio signals from an external playback device. This can be, for example, a Bluetooth receiver with which audio signals can be transmitted, for example, from a mobile phone or devices with similar functionality. This advantageously enables the wearer of the hearing system according to the invention to make telephone calls or listen to music via the hearing system.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hearing system comprises a housing with an interior space for accommodating the hearing aid. When more than one hearing aid is used in the hearing system, each hearing aid has its own housing.

[0050] Advantageously, at least one sound opening is arranged in each housing as a sound inlet on the front side, i.e., the side facing away from the ear, and the interior is designed in such a way that a hearing aid can be loosely inserted and removed. The removability of the hearing aid is linked to the arrangement of at least one microphone in the hearing aid in such a way that, upon loose insertion, the microphone is assigned to the sound inlet.

[0051] A sound inlet opening is any opening that runs through the wall of the housing and thus acoustically connects the interior of the housing with the external environment.

[0052] The front of the housing is defined as any part or surface of the housing that is not directly facing the ear and thus the wearer's head and that is relevant for the reception of acoustic signals from the area surrounding the respective ear. In particular, these are surfaces of the housing that face backward and to the side, as seen by the hearing system wearer.

[0053] The hearing aid can be designed to fit snugly into the interior of the housing. Depending on the design, the hearing aid can be encapsulated in a shape that matches the interior. This is achieved by encapsulating it in plastic in the appropriate shape, as practiced by hearing aid technicians for ITE devices or earmolds for BTE devices.

[0054] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first magnetic element is designed as said housing or is arranged on said housing. In particular, this allows one of the decorative elements belonging to the hearing system to be attached to the housing.

[0055] The design of the interior of the housing, which is intended to allow loose insertion and removal of a hearing aid, permits quick and arbitrary changing of the housing and thus of the decorative element that can be attached to the housing without changing the individually fitted hearing aid. Loose insertion is to be understood as meaning that no delicate assembly or assembly aids are necessary. It is simply necessary to let the hearing aid slide into the interior so that it is in the position suitable for use. The position is determined in particular by the position of one or more sound inlet openings through which the sound reaches a microphone in the hearing aid, and / or by possible connections, e.g. to a signal conductor of the hearing aid, which have to be routed through the wall due to the design of the interior.However, if the interior is designed to be relatively open, the sound inlet openings and / or connections can be created through the existing openings in the interior.

[0056] For example, it is possible for a housing to accommodate a hearing aid to be made of a magnetizable material and to have a shape such that it can be arranged in the auricle. A fastening means arranged behind the auricle and comprising a magnetic element, preferably a magnet, would interact with the magnetizable housing in such a way as to ensure that the housing, and thus the hearing aid located in the housing, is securely held in the ear. For visual design, a decorative element could have a further magnetic element, preferably a magnet, and could thus be easily attached to the magnetizable housing. The decorative element could easily be replaced with any other decorative element at any time.

[0057] It can be provided that the decorative elements are detachably connected to the respective housing or that the decorative elements are designed as a housing. The decorative element can either have a magnetic element or be designed as a magnetic element itself, or the decorative element can be connected to a magnetic element, for example because it can itself be made of a magnetizable material. The housing can also have a magnetic element or be designed as a magnetic element itself and thus be connected directly to one or more decorative elements or to one or more magnetic elements.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the magnetic elements can be replaced by a magnetic element with a different magnetic field strength.

[0059] This advantageously makes it possible to adjust the strength of individual magnetic elements to specific needs, for example, to the different weights of the components they attach to the hearing system, or to the wearer's sensitivity to pressure. For example, a stronger attachment to the ear may be necessary to ensure the hearing system stays securely in place, for example, in the case of a child or a wearer who moves a lot, such as during sports. On the other hand, if the hearing system does not have to withstand strong mechanical stress, the head moves little, and / or the wearer finds the pressure exerted by the magnetic elements uncomfortable, magnetic elements with a lower magnetic field strength can be used.

[0060] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1a to 1d: four different embodiments of a part of a hearing system according to the invention, each in a schematic side view; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b: a part of a hearing system according to the invention attached to an ear, in two different perspective views; Fig. 3a: an embodiment of a hearing system according to the invention formed with a housing in a schematic side view; Fig. 3b: part of the Fig. 3a shown hearing system in a perspective view; and Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b: Embodiments of the hearing system according to the invention with housing on one ear, each in perspective view.

[0061] The above-described features are explained in an illustrative, but not restrictive, manner with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art would combine the features previously implemented in the various embodiments of the invention and subsequently in the exemplary embodiment in further embodiments, as far as they deem expedient and appropriate.

[0062] The drawings show the device only schematically to the extent necessary to explain the invention. They make no claim to completeness or scale.

[0063] "One part" of a hearing system according to the invention refers here to the combination of those components of the hearing system used for one of the two ears. In this sense, a hearing system for both ears usually has two parts. These are usually designed analogously for the right and left ear, but can also differ from one another, be it for cosmetic reasons or due to different levels of hearing support required or different functionality. However, if the hearing system is used solely for digital communication, one part of the hearing system may well be sufficient.

[0064] Irrespective of the fact that hearing systems for hearing assistance often have two hearing aids 1, at least two decorative elements 2 and at least two fastening means 3 for fastening the hearing system to both ears O of a person, for the sake of simplicity only a part of such a hearing system is shown in the figures described below, wherein the components shown are each suitable for attachment to one ear O unless otherwise described.

[0065] The Fig. 1a to 1d show four different embodiments of a part of a hearing system according to the invention, each in a schematic side view.

[0066] A hearing aid 1 is arranged on one side of the tissue of a human ear O, which can be the tissue of the upper or middle part of the auricle or the lower part of the auricle, the earlobe, while a fastening means 3 is arranged on the side of the ear O facing away from the hearing aid 1. A magnetic attraction force acts between the hearing aid 1 and the fastening means 3, which clamps the ear O located in between, whereby the hearing system is fixed to the ear O. The magnetic attraction force between two components is Fig. 1a to 1d, as well as in all subsequent figures by double-sided arrows.

[0067] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, the hearing aid 1 has a first magnetic element 4.1, which interacts with both a second magnetic element 4.2 arranged on the fastening means 3 and a third magnetic element 4.3 arranged on the decorative element 2. Both the fastening means 3 and the decorative element 2 are thus releasably attached to the first magnetic element 4.1.

[0068] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1b, however, the hearing aid 1 has two magnetic elements, a first magnetic element 4.1 and a further magnetic element 4.4. The fastening means 3 is either a magnet itself or is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material and thus adheres as such to the first magnetic element 4.1. The same applies to the decorative element 2, which is either a magnet itself or is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material and thus adheres itself to the further magnetic element 4.4.

[0069] Fig. Fig. 1c shows an embodiment in which the hearing aid 1 comprises a first magnetic element 4.1 and a further magnetic element 4.4 analogous to Fig. 1b, while the fastening means 3 comprises a second magnetic element 4.2 and the decorative element 2 comprises a third magnetic element 4.3 analogous to Fig. 1a. A magnetic interaction occurs between the first magnetic element 4.1 and the second magnetic element 4.2, as well as between the third magnetic element 4.3 and the further magnetic element 4.4.

[0070] In Fig. Figure 1d shows an embodiment in which the hearing aid (not visible here) is arranged in a housing 5. The housing 5 is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material and thus acts as a (first) magnetic element itself. A second magnetic element 4.2 arranged on the fastening means 3 and a third magnetic element 4.3 arranged on the decorative element 2 thus interact magnetically with the housing 5.

[0071] Alternatively, it is possible for a first magnetic element and / or a further magnetic element to be formed on the housing 5 and to interact with the second and / or third magnetic element 4.2, 4.3.

[0072] Further combinations not shown from the different possibilities of arranging magnetic elements, as shown in the Fig. 1a to 1d are of course also possible. For example, the hearing aid 1 can have a first magnetic element 4.1, while both the fastening means 3 and the decorative element 2 themselves are designed as magnetic elements and can each be attached to the first magnetic element 4.1.

[0073] In the embodiments of the Fig. 1a to 1d, the hearing aid 1 with the decorative element 2 is apparently located on the front V of the ear O, while the fastening means 3 is arranged behind the ear O, ie on its back H.

[0074] The proportions of the Fig. The components of the hearing system depicted in Figures 1a to 1d, in particular the hearing aid 1 and the decorative element 2, do not necessarily reflect the actual conditions. For example, the decorative element 2 may partially or completely conceal the hearing aid.

[0075] In further alternative embodiments (not shown), the fastening means 3 can also be arranged on the front side V of the ear O. For cosmetic reasons, it can be partially or completely covered by a decorative element 2 or can itself be designed as a decorative element 2. The further variants of the Fig. 1a to 1d, for example with regard to the design and arrangement of the magnetic elements, are also applicable in such an embodiment.

[0076] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows a part of a hearing system according to the invention, attached to an ear O, in two different perspective views. Fig. 2a the ear O provided with a part of the hearing system from the side, i.e. perpendicular to the wearer’s line of sight, while Fig. 2b shows the ear from behind. It can be seen that the hearing aid 1 is positioned in the auricle of the ear O, wherein the shape of the hearing aid 1 is approximately adapted to the shape of the part of the auricle in which the hearing aid is placed. It can therefore, for example, be slightly curved, following the shape of the auricle. Detachably attached to the hearing aid 1 is a decorative element 2, which is shown here merely as a star-shaped example. Naturally, a decorative element 2 can have any possible shape and size suitable for decorative purposes. The decorative element 2, as shown in Fig. 2a, covers at least part of the hearing aid 1.

[0077] The (in Fig. The fastening means 3 (shown in Figure 2b) arranged behind the ear O is attached to the hearing aid 1 and thus indirectly to the ear O by magnetic attraction. Following the shape of the auricle and the shape of the hearing aid 1, the fastening means 3 can also be slightly curved. The hearing aid, decorative element 2, and fastening means 3 comprise one or more magnetic elements or are themselves designed as such.

[0078] The position of hearing aid 1 and fastening device 3 on ear O is alternatively also possible on other areas of the auricle, for example on the lower part of ear O, e.g. on the earlobe, or on the upper part of the auricle.

[0079] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b each show a part of an embodiment of a hearing system according to the invention formed with a housing 5, wherein Fig. 3a a schematic side view with ear O and Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of the housing 5.

[0080] The hearing aid itself can be arranged in the housing 5 by placing it in an interior space 6 of the housing 5. The hearing aid is in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b not shown. The housing 5 is designed as a hook-shaped, backward-curved ornamental body, which is formed from two sides and a bottom surface and is open at the top, towards the ear O. In the lower area of ​​the rounded bottom surface, a sound inlet opening 7 is set into the housing 5 (visible in Fig. 3b), which acoustically connects the interior 6 of the housing 5 with the external environment.

[0081] On the inside of the housing 5 facing the ear O, the housing 5 has a first magnetic element 4.1, which can be brought into operative connection with the fastening means 3. For this purpose, the fastening means 3 in the illustrated embodiment is either designed as a magnet itself or is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material. Other embodiments, in which, for example, a second magnetic element is arranged on the fastening means 3, or in which the housing 5 is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material (which in turn can interact with a magnetic element arranged on the fastening means 3) are also possible. In all possible embodiments, a magnetic force of attraction acts between the fastening means 3 and the housing 5, by means of which the relevant components of the hearing system are held on the ear O.

[0082] In Fig. 3a also shows a decorative element 2, which has a third magnetic element 4.3. The third magnetic element 4.3 interacts with the first magnetic element 4.1 arranged on the housing 5 and can thus be detachably and replaceably attached to the housing 5.

[0083] It is of course possible for the decorative element 2 itself to be designed as a magnetic element and / or for the decorative element 2 or a magnetic element arranged thereon to interact directly with the housing 5 (provided the housing 5 itself is designed as a magnetic element). It is also possible for no decorative element to be attached to the housing 5, for example because the housing 5 is designed such that it can itself function as a decorative element, for example, as a piece of jewelry.

[0084] The Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show parts of the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b depicts the embodiments of the hearing system according to the invention, each attached to an ear O. In each case, a housing 5 is shown with a sound inlet opening 7 embedded therein. Neither the hearing aid inserted into the housing 5 nor the fastening means and magnetic elements are visible. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4b, a decorative element 2 is detachably attached to the housing 5, which is here merely exemplary in the form of a star and can vary in size and shape. List of reference symbols 1 hearing aid 2 decorative element 3 fasteners 4.1 first magnetic element 4.2 second magnetic element 4.3 third magnetic element 4.4 additional magnetic element 5 housings 6 Interior of the housing 7 Sound inlet opening of the housing O ear V front H Rear QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 924 123 A2

[0008] DE 10 2010 018 264 A1

[0009] WO 2012 / 160098 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Hearing system, comprising at least one hearing aid (1) to be worn behind the ear or in front of the ear, at least one decorative element (2) which is designed for detachable connection to the hearing system, and at least one fastening means (3) for fastening the hearing system to an ear (O) of a person, wherein the hearing aid (1) comprises at least one input transducer for receiving sound and / or electromagnetic signals, a signal processing unit for processing the received sound or the received signals, a sound transducer and a signal conductor for transmitting acoustic or audio signals into the ear canal, characterized by that the hearing aid (1) has a first magnetic element (4.1), and that the at least one fastening means (3) has a second magnetic element (4.2) which can be brought into operative connection with the first magnetic element (4.1). [2] Hearing system according to claim 1, wherein the sound transducer and / or the input transducer is designed to be arranged within the ear canal and is connected to the signal processing unit via a suitable signal conductor. [3] Hearing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a decorative element (2) is formed on a fastening means (3). [4] Hearing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the decorative element (2) has at least one third magnetic element (4.3) which can be brought into operative connection with the first magnetic element (4.1) and / or with the second magnetic element (4.2) and / or with a further magnetic element (4.4) arranged on the hearing system. [5] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises two hearing aids, which further comprise a device for wireless communication between the two hearing aids (1). [6] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one shielding element for shielding elements of the hearing aid (1) against the magnetic fields emanating from the magnetic elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4). [7] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal processing units each have a deactivatable amplifier for amplifying the received sound or the received signals. [8] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hearing aids (1) each have a receiver for wireless transmission of audio signals from an external playback device. [9] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hearing system comprises two housings (5), each with an interior space (6) for accommodating a hearing aid (1). [10] Hearing system according to claim 9, wherein the first magnetic element (4.1) is designed as said housing (5) or is arranged on said housing (5). [11] Hearing system according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the decorative elements (2) are detachably connected to the respective housing (5) or the decorative elements (2) are designed as a housing (5). [12] Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the magnetic elements (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) is replaceable by a magnetic element with a different magnetic field strength.

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